Teams of dedicated council workers in Swansea are making a significant impact on the city’s cleanliness by picking up litter, clearing weeds, and maintaining public spaces. Known as the cleansing ward teams, these workers respond to requests from councillors to improve specific areas and have been commended for their efforts. The council’s scrutiny programme committee recently reviewed their work, viewing before and after photos as evidence of their hard work.
Committee members, including Cllr Peter Black, expressed their admiration for the teams, with Cllr Lyndon Jones describing their work as “fantastic.” The cleansing ward teams are part of a larger street cleaning service in Swansea, which includes 96 operatives and nine sweeper vehicle drivers. These teams play a crucial role in preventing overflowing street bins, maintaining pavements, and keeping areas like Wind Street clean, especially after busy weekend nights.
Cleansing staff carry two bags with them, one for recyclable items and another for non-recyclable waste, ensuring responsible waste disposal. The council’s efforts have led to 86% of surveyed streets being predominantly free of litter. While challenges exist, such as discarded wet wipes and dog mess, the council is continuously working to improve its services. Reports of fly-tipping have increased, prompting the council to take action to remove waste promptly.
The committee discussed the importance of enforcement and learning from other councils’ practices regarding prosecutions and fines for fly-tipping. Despite well-documented issues with waste collections, the focus remained on street cleaning during the meeting. It was noted that improvements in waste collection could positively impact street cleanliness.
In conclusion, the commitment and hard work of the cleansing ward teams in Swansea are instrumental in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and enhancing its overall appearance. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring a pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.